Dual-targeting fluorescent probe for real-time visualization of mitochondrial dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome

Mitochondrial structural integrity and functional stability are essential for the occurrence and development of Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). However, current chemical tools remain inadequate for a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial morphological changes and dysfunction in SS. Herein, a dual-targeted fluorescent probe XR has been developed for visualizing mitochondrial anomalies in SS. XR can simultaneously label mitochondria (red channel) and lysosomes (green channel). Furthermore, due to high pH sensitivity, XR can localize the sites of mitochondria-lysosome contacts and reveal a decrease in pH during mitochondrial damage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed marked mitochondrial swelling in SS mice, contrasting with the elongated, electron-dense morphology observed in healthy controls. Further validation was obtained through the fluorescent signal of XR. Thus, XR represents an intriguing and attractive tool for detecting morphological changes and mitochondrial dysfunction in SS model.